EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH LYMPH NODE TUBERCULOSIS

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Lymph node tuberculosis (LNT) is a disease in which there is chronic granulomatous inflammation of the lymph nodes. The aim of the present study is retrospectively review the epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory features of patients diagnosed with LNT.  

Methods:The records of 138 patients admitted to tuberculos dispensary between 2005 and 2010 with the diagnosis of tuberculosis were reviewed retrospectively and 21 (15,2%) LNT cases were identified.          

Results: Twenty one (15,2%) cases were identified with LNT. Thirteen were female (61,9%), 8 (38,1%) were male and mean age was 41 ± 21 years. The female to male ratio of LNT cases was 1.625 (13/8).  The most common complaint was palpable mass on neck. The cervical lymph nodes alone were the most frequently involved; in 15 (71,5%) patients. Contact history with tuberculosis cases was determined only 2 cases (9,5%) and two cases had history of pulmonary tuberculosis (9,5%). After confirmation of diagnosis all patients were treated with combined anti-tuberculous chemotherapy for at least six months.

Conclusions: LNT is seen more frequent in female than male. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the neck masses. 

Key words: tuberculosis, lymph node, neck mass

Keywords

• Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, lymph node tuberculosis, neck mass

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